Reports of an intact US RQ-170 drone brought down by Iranian authorities have spurred widespread speculation that the drone or its sensitive technologies will be handed over to China. Taking into account a hypothetical situation in which Beijing got its hands on the drone, Wilson Chau assesses the implications on China's indigenous UAV programme.

Maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) are some of the most valuable and versatile platforms for navies and air forces in the Asia-Pacific region. It has now been confirmed by internet sources that China's indigenous MPA programme has literally taken off. Wilson Chau explores the potential purposes for a Chinese MPA.

The Government of the Seychelles has invited China to establish a naval anti-piracy base on its territory. This could offer Beijing a significant staging point in the Indian Ocean. How would India respond?